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Due Process:
I have advocated at several due process hearings, and have recently helped a couple as they went through the due process-resolution meeting--where the parents were able to put in place a legally binding settlement agreement, for their child.
Below is the testimonial from the parents:
"JoAnn was there for us when we had to file Due Process because our District wanted to change our son’s placement from private school (at their expense) to a public school placement. She gave us more knowledge about FAPE, IDEA and Case law in her emails and phone call than we could have gotten from 10 books. This Lady knows what she speaks of! We remain grateful!" Parents in Wyoming
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If you are a parent an are considering filing for a due process hearing, I can help you write the due process request to include and simplify all issues. IDEA 2004 does not allow parents to change the issues at due process after they file; unless the school district or hearing officer agrees (also the time lines start over which lengthens the process even more).
This is the reason that it is critical for parents to have advocacy help before they file for a due process hearing. I have heard from a few parents who filed without help and left off a few important issues. One parent did not think that they could ask for reimbursement for a medical placement, and because of this incurred thousands of dollars in placement expenses.
Getting help before filing for a due process hearing could save you lots of time and lots of money!!
Consultations can be given on an ongoing basis as the process of advocacy for your child continues!
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I am able to bill for advocacy services through a Paypal invoice, which can be paid for with a credit card! Please E mail me for a 15 minute free consultation, if you are interested in purchasing advocacy services. Amount of services can be determined between you and I and an invoice can be sent, per E mail! Once the payment is received, I will contact you about the process to begin the consultation!
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More advocacy testimonials:
1. JoAnn helped my wife and me when the school stated that they could no longer educate my son because he needed too much help, and was not motivated to learn. She educated us about FAPE, about possibility of finding private services at public expense, and worked out a plan with us for an upcoming meeting. The meeting went well, and the school actually agreed to consider a private placement at their expense. Thanks JoAnn--couldn't done it without you!! Parents Illinois
2. "My husband wants to keep you as the surprise big gun if we run into problems again! I want you to know we could not have been successful without your book and your advice, it gave us the wisdom and the words we needed to fight for what our son needed! Thank You so much!" Parent in Wisconsin
3. "We are sending you a check for the consultation you gave us and for your book. Will recommend you to others. Will call on you again for advice as we move through this process." Parent New Jersey
4. “JoAnn has the experience and knowledge about special education, and understands what evaluations mean. She writes great letters that are specific and to the point. She took a stressful awful situation and made it much better for me and my daughter Maddie (name used with permission)! My daughter is now in a great class, and is understanding the first grade academics, without the frustration that she was showing in her previous placement. Without her help I would have been railroaded, just as I was before she started helping us! Thank You” Tamara Fahnestock (name used with permission) Parent Illinois
History: Tamara’s daughter Maddie was diagnosed with autism at the age of three after a childhood autism rating (CARS) scale was given to her. At the end of Kindergarten at an IEP meeting Maddie’s mother was told that she no longer had autism and that she was ineligible for special education services except for speech therapy! This also meant that Maddie would not get extended school year services, though she had received them in previous years. The first day Maddie started 1st grade her mother heard from the teacher. She was beside herself because of the little girl’s low academics and unusual behavior. Tamara shared with her that Maddie had autism, and was found ineligible for special education services. That is when Tamara called me and asked me to help advocate for Maddie. We immediately asked for an IEE (independent educational evaluation) at public expense with a clinical psychologist. The district agreed and paid for the evaluation. It took several months, but Maddie was diagnosed not only with autism but several other disabilities. The clinical psychologist wrote an extensive report that stated that Maddie needed Speech/Language services, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, a multi sensory reading program, a highly structured classroom with direct instruction, and extended school year services. After several meetings Maddie is getting an appropriate placement, several therapies, and is starting to learn first grade academics. The other day Tamara told me that Maddie picked up a book and tried to read it. While this is just the beginning, Maddie is well on her way to learning academics, and keeping up with her grade appropriate peers! Maddie’s future looks bright!